Faculty

Jocyln Hanson

Lecturer 1

My students call me Professor Joss, or Joss, or Ms. J... I really like to keep it informal because the more comfortable they are the better I teach. When I walk into a classroom I am instantly energized because I love what I do! I have 14 year old boy/girl twins who are both on the autism spectrum so communication is definitely my passion. I am married to a wonderful man from Hawaii. We have a black lab mix called Roxy, a tuxedo cat named Stinky, and a fish called Sushi. That is our family and the center of my universe. I am a word person, a scrabble and Words With Friends addict and I love crossword puzzles. I collect labyrinths because they represent the complex roads in the journey of my life.

I believe that communication is the essential thread that connects all human beings and that when used effectively can solve some of the most complex problems. My teaching philosophy is simple... I am a guide to help facilitate your understanding of human communication, its theories, and usages and to encourage cooperative and complete learning. Together we will unlock the mystery of communication, overcome any anxiety it evokes, and enjoy the learning process.

I begin by showing students that though complicated, communication does not have to be scary. When they can see the everyday usage of communication of all kinds, students begin to overcome their fear and enjoy the process. I show them that anyone can be a good communicator and give them the opportunity to succeed at it. Of course this is all carried out with lots of encouragement and positive energy.

I am a part-time lecturer teaching A Survey of Oral and Technology-based Communication at the University of Texas at Dallas. Additionally, I teach Speech Communication and Public Speaking for Richland College. The best way to contact me is via email at [email protected]. You may also contact me via Remind. I will set up a class for us there where I can be accessed by text message.

I have worked in colleges and universities as an administrator, and academic advisor, and now as a professor since I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 1994. I was the Coordinator for Articulation and Transfer Services for the Dallas County Community College District from 1994-2002. I took a hiatus from work to be at home with my twins and returned to work as a general academic advisor in 2009 and later as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) student advisor. In the spring of 2014 I began teaching Speech Communication.

Education: M.S. Organizational and Professional Communication with an emphasis in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), University of Denver in Denver, ColoradoB.S. Applied Psychology with a Minor in Women's Studies, Bemidji State University in Northern Minnesota